No Consumer Consent Needed for Smart Meter Installation, Rules GERC Electricity Ombudsman
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) Electricity Ombudsman has clarified that power distribution companies (Discoms) are legally empowered to replace conventional electricity meters with smart meters without obtaining prior consent from consumers.
The clarification came in an order passed in the case of Mahendra Kumar D. Patel vs MGVCL, Lalbagh Division, Vadodara.
The consumer had alleged that MGVCL installed a smart meter without his permission, which affected his bank's auto-debit facility and eventually led to disconnection of electricity supply. However, MGVCL argued that the smart meter was installed in accordance with the Electricity Act, 2003, CEA Metering Regulations, Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, and the GERC Supply Code. The utility also stated that the auto-debit facility had no connection with the type of electricity meter installed.
After examining the matter, the Electricity Ombudsman held that the installation of smart meters is fully compliant with the applicable legal provisions and that prior consent of the consumer is not mandatory for replacing existing meters.
The order further noted that the consumer failed to produce any evidence showing a technical defect in the smart meter or any irregularity in electricity billing.
Accordingly, the Ombudsman dismissed the consumer's appeal and upheld the earlier decision of the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF).
The Ombudsman also clarified that if a consumer has doubts regarding the accuracy of a smart meter, third-party testing can be conducted under the provisions of the GERC Supply Code. However, seeking reinstallation of the old meter solely on the basis of objection to the smart meter is not legally sustainable.
The order is a statutory quasi-judicial decision issued by the GERC Electricity Ombudsman.
